Thursday, January 31, 2013

A beautiful pair of Asian influenced, ceramic vase form, crackle finish lamps. The pair have ebonized open footed wood bases, patinated brass caps and acorn finials. The fabric shades with paper backs are original and in very good condition. Very simple and very stylish. 24" h., 14" w. American, c. 1960 SOLD

This very ample and very substantial hand hammered brass cachepot has a wonderful patina, and handsome lion's head and claw feet decoration. It would make a perfect vessel for a large pot of fragrant hyacinths to to add a little scent of spring to your home. Groundhog day is just two days away. 9 1/2" diam. 10 1/2" h. American, first half 20th c. SOLD

More music from the road..... The Jezebels are a great new Austrailian band. I heard this song for the first time while on the road last week. It seems like a good post for today with the wind whipping and the snow falling outside. What a difference a day makes!

Monday, January 28, 2013

This turquoise blue and clear glass heart shaped dish is infused with internal bubbles called Pulegoso. It would have originally been used as an ashtray, but would make a great little candy dish or purely decorative object. Valentine's Day is on the way. 7" l., 7" w., 2 1/2" h. Italian, c. 1950's SOLD

I Love Lucy. Who doesn't? When I was a teenager visiting my older brother in Manhattan, we went out for brunch to Mortimer's with some of his friends. Mortimer's was a tony restaurant on the upper east side which was always good for a celebrity spotting. Lucille Ball was seated at a table next to ours, and I was particularly star struck. I was also amazed that her "golden apricot" (name according to her hair dresser) hair color was actually even more vibrant than it appeared on television. That said, I couldn't pass up these vintage original framed photographs. One is of her lounging in her Beverly Hills home and the other is a very animated portrait. They are lots of fun and almost have a David Lachapelle feel in their intensity and saturation of color, and of course in their celebrity subject matter. A very appropriate Valentine gift.... Framed; at home 30 1/2" l. 26 1/2" h.; animated portrait 20 1/2" l., 24" h. American, 1970's. SOLD

Sunday, January 27, 2013

"Have we got Prince Albert in a bust"? Well, yes we have, and it is a beautiful Copeland Parian ware (a type of fine bisque porcelain) bust. Prince Albert is portrayed quite Classically and idealized with a toga elegantly draped over his left shoulder. The bust is signed and dated 1864. The base reads "Crystal Palace Art Union". It would make a perfect gift for the Anglophile or lover of Victoria (or Downton Abbey while we're at it) on your list. 13" h., 10" l., 5 1/2" w. English, c. 1864 SOLD

A very unusual Federal style bullseye advertising mirror with convex glass. This carved and gilded mirror was made for the Carstairs Distillers of Baltimore, Maryland. The top reads "The man who cares says Carstairs", the bottom "a reflection of quality" We have never seen an advertising mirror in a Federal bullseye style before. 24" h., 17 1/2" w. American, late 19th c. SOLD

Saturday, January 26, 2013

This very large and dramatic tessellated marble and brass sculpture has a great minimal cubist form with faceted angles and planes, and a gracefully curved neck and back. 36" h. 34" l. American, c. 1970's SOLD

Long, sleek, quintessentially modern coffee table designed by Paul McCobb for his Planner Group series for Winchendon Furniture Co. This table has a gently bevelled edge on the rectangular top and tapered, slightly flared legs. 48" l., 18" w., 15" h. American, c.1950's SOLD

Friday, January 25, 2013

Doug Stone was born in 1951 in Simcoe, Ontario and received his B.F.A. from the University of Guelph. His body of work is very varied and complex and has been ever changing. His paintings have been described as "unique in intimacy of symbolism, and immediacy." He has exhibited in Toronto, Paris and New York as well as other cities throughout North America.

This monumental and magnificent triptych was completed over the course of five years from 1986-1991. It is a highly energetic, highly complex, and very vibrant mix of broad colorful swatches and little dribbles of paint, frenzied pencil scribbles and little drawings. The scale, energy, intensity and richness of this piece stop short of overwhelming and leave you enthralled, wanting to return to it over and over again to explore some more. Each panel is 91" h. Left panel is 47" w., center is 48" w., right is 42"w. SOLD

Nicely cast bronze sculpture of a discus thrower on a marble base. The sculpture has a definite Art Deco feel and the thrower is nicely proportioned with a beautiful face. The piece probably dates to the 1930's and based on the quality, was likely cast in Europe. 16" h., 6 3/4" l., 4 3/4" w. SOLD

The original label is gone from this piece, but it is very similar in design to pieces by Robsjohn Gibbings. It is a very cool mix of materials, maple with a rush seat and back and patinated metal rods joining the back rest and seat. It has a swivel mechanism and is very comfortable. Seat is 24" h. American, c. 1950's SOLD

In design, sometimes the simplest pieces are the most difficult to get right. Mission accomplished here in this maple coffee table designed for McCobb's Planner Group and made by the Winchendon Furniture Co. of Winchendon, MA. It's got a dead simple, straight sided, round top with a rich, warm patina. The legs are gently tapered legs and flare out ever so slightly. 36" diam., 20" h. American, c. 1950 SOLD

Alexander Calder (1898-1976) was an American artist best known for his abstract sculptures and as a pioneer of kinetic art. However, starting early in his career, in addition to sculpting Calder was also a painter and printmaker. This original lithograph was executed in 1970 and was commissioned for the exhibition catalogue Derriere Le Miroir. DLM was produced between 1946 and 1982 by the French gallery owner Aime Maeght and his wife Marguerite. Initially they used the finest printmakers in Paris and in 1970 started their own engraving worksop. This lithograph comes with a certificate of authenticity from the Park West Gallery in New York where it was originally purchased. Framed, 28" l., 17" h. American/ French c.1970 SOLD

Purchased in the late 1960's in Provincetown, MA, this is one of the nicest driftwood lamps we have seen. The simplicity of the driftwood base and the one branch which extends above the base of the shade give it a wonderful sculptural feel which seems just right and not overdone. The original burlap shade which is in excellent condition, gives off a very warm light and compliments the base perfectly. 25" h., 22" l., 10" w., American, c. 1960's SOLD

A smart set of four Heywood Wakefield chairs that match the previously listed wishbone table. These chairs, which were purchased in 1950 with the table, have their original H.W. naugahyde upholstery. Both the frames and the upholstery are in excellent condition. American, c. 1950 SOLD

Monday, January 21, 2013

Perhaps the most iconic of the Heywood Wakefield designs, this "wishbone" table was also their top-of-the line table and their longest when fully extended. It's three boomerang or wishbone legs and wing supported drop leaves make it an unparalleled example of 1950's design. It can be used against a wall closed or with one leaf extended. Closed it measures 40" w., 29" l., 29" h. With both drop leaves up it measures 56" l. Each loose leaf is 18" and fully extended it stretches to 94". American, c. 1950 SOLD

Sunday, January 20, 2013

Clean and simple. A nine drawer chest by Bassett with clean modern lines, nice simple brushed chrome pulls and square feet. It is very well constructed and in pristine condition. 62" l., 18" w., 30" h. American, c. 1960's SOLD

The personification of form and function are found in this fantastic set by Henredon. The set has a handsome country club feel and is exceptionally versatile. As a round table it is great for intimate dining, bridge, etc. The table has two very large leaves and when fully extended could seat eight to ten very comfortably (shown with no leaves and with one leaf). It has an inlaid top, brass decoration on the base, and an interesting pedestal which separates when the leaves are added. The four chairs have cane backs and upholstered seat cushions. Table is 44" in diam. Each leaf is 20" wide. American, c.1970 SOLD

Saturday, January 19, 2013

Since we couldn't be at the auction in Palm Beach today where Steve Rubell's personal collection of Studio 54 memorabilia is being auctioned, we are playing disco all day in his honor. Stop in for a dance! Last dance at 5.

A very nice, tall, slender Italian Rococo style carved gilt wood mirror. This would make a great mirror for a powder room, foyer or anywhere that space is limited but impact is desired. 40" l., 20" w. Italian, c. 1950's SOLD

Friday, January 18, 2013

The Brasilia Collection was first introduced by Broyhill at the 1962 Seattle World's Fair. The collection was inspired by Brasilia, the newly erected capital city of Brazil. The thoroughly modern city of Brasilia, with its buildings of abstract forms and curves, owes it's design and architecture in large part to architect Oscar Niemeyer. The inspiration of his distinctive forms is quite apparent in the architecture of Broyhill's Brasilia Collection.
This very versatile pair of Brasilia stands are a great size for night stands or for use as side tables. Each stand has two doors which open to an ample storage compartment. 24" l., 18" w., 21" h. American, c. 1962 SOLD

Thursday, January 17, 2013

A great Greek scene. This nicely painted watercolor features an erect and a crumbling Corinthian column in the foreground, and buildings of the Acropolis in the background. It is double matted and framed in a gilded wood frame. It is signed in Greek and dated. 17" h., 14" w. Greek, c. 1934 SOLD

Elegant and timeless glass case brass clock made by Henry Birks & Sons. This clock has front and back entry through bevelled glass doors, a unique mercury pendulum, and a porcelain and gilded face. It has been professionally cleaned and polished. 9" h., 4 1/2" w., 5 1/2" l. French, c. 1900 SOLD

Here is a wonderful opportunity to own a special slice of Canadian Art/ History. This handsome engraving was done by Thoreau Macdonald (CGP CPE 1901-1989) and is signed, titled and inscribed "Tom Thomson- drawn by T.M. from a photo by L.S.H." with a pencil signature. It is matted and framed. 15 1/4" l., 12 1/4" w. Canadian, c. 1965 SOLD

Super chic mahogany dining table and six chairs in the style of James Mont. The table base is curved with carved polychrome panels and Greek key motif. The top has a gently bevelled edge, and there is one leaf. The chair backs have the Greek key motif on the backrests, and there are four side chairs and two arm chairs. 60" l., 40" w., 29" h., (leaf is 12" w.) American, c.1950 SOLD